Page 116 of Heiress of Fire

Davina looked down at her dress, a mixture of mauve and lilac. It was similar to the one she wore at Sadoc’s birthday celebration many moons ago but with a few more layers of tulle added to it. A clear layer of tulle had gold lace in the form of fire sewn into it. The cloth wrapped around her waist to her right shoulder, covering her scar, and leaving her left shoulder bare.

After a week of stressful search for a perfect dress, she found it atop her bed inside of a royal blue box with a golden ribbon. But there had been no note nor tag attached to the box.

Davina shivered, quickly replacing her frown with a smile. “The bride is my friend, do not offend her in such a way.”

“She won’t know I said it unless you tell her,” Isaiah chuckled.

“I don’t know. I might,” Davina joked.

“I’m glad I was able to find you. I don’t think I could’ve waited too long to steal you for a dance,” he purred, reaching for her gloved fingers.

“I don’t know—”

“Oh, come on, you’ve been so busy. We haven’t even made it to that dinner we’ve been postponing for weeks.”

Davina inhaled as she forced another smile. “Yes, my love, I have been quite occupied. But about that dance… well the thing is, I don’t know how to.”Davina cringed, allowing her true discomfort to resurface through her mask.

Isaiah wrapped his hand around her fingers. Davina exhaled through her nose. “Just one dance.”

A clink between crystal and silverware echoed throughout the ballroom.

Valerie was holding a glass cup and a silver spoon, Beacon by her side with his own glass half full.

“Friends and family. First and foremost, I wanted to thank you all for joining me and my husband on our special day. We are ecstatic to have you all here with us. Words will never describe how much we appreciate your support, especially in the times that we have been living for the past few months. Let’s enjoy this night to the fullest. Delighting in our families, our friends, and our significant others. Tonight’s celebration will begin with the Exchange of Partner dance,” Valerie announced, her smile just as vibrant as her abilities.

Valerie found Davina’s gaze. “Even you have to dance, D.”

The ballroom roared with claps and cheers of joy. Davina turned to Beacon and got the sudden urge to smack the grin off his face.

“Perhaps I should apologize to the bride, it seems she has helped me win a dance with you.” Isaiah grinned.

Davina nervously chuckled. Isaiah held his hand out for her, ready to lead her to the center of the hall.

“Fine, just one dance,” she sighed jokingly, trying to play off her annoyance with his insistence. Not just with the dance but with everything else. How much longer would she be able to fake what she felt for him?

The deal had been for them to start an alliance but there had been so many topics that had been left unspoken. She knew they’d have to eventually marry because she owed him that much, although it felt like her essence was being sucked out just by the thought of spending the rest of her life with him.

He was a good man; he didn’t deserve all these horrid thoughts she fed within her mind.

A peaceful melody of several violins and pianos traveled throughout the ballroom.

Davina observed the circle of couples around the dance floor, her eyes searching for the boy in dark blue. To this moment she wasn’t able to find Ron among the other guests within the hall. During the ceremony, she was able to get a small glimpse of him standing next to his brother Bane.

She caught Leilani, Caleb, and Cara bowing and curtsying for their dance partners. Caleb hated dancing so at least she wasn’t suffering alone.

Davina curtsied while Isaiah bowed.

“Why the serious face?” Isaiah asked.

“Just focused on the dance.” She grimaced.

“Don’t worry too much about getting it right. Let yourself flow with the music,” he advised.

Davina nodded.

After the few steps were completed, Beacon called from his seat. “Exchange of partners!”

“See you soon, my beloved.”

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